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This is a far more important role than many people realize. The Society Chapter Secretary does far more than just take EXCOM meeting minutes. This is truly an executive position.

Many people associate "secretary" with typist and coffee runner. That's inaccurate and unfortunate. Traditionally, the post of secretary in any organization is a high position. Think of such titles as Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and so on.

Serving in this position is excellent training for serving as Society Chapter Chair. It's also good background for any engineer wanting to develop those in-demand managerial skills for a position as a project management or department manager.

When a seasoned manager accepts this role, then the Society has a real advantage. If you think you may be interested in serving as Secretary for any of the entities now part of the IEEE Kansas City Section, visit the Officers page and look around. You'll see the three Society Chapters (Communications, Computer, Power), plus some other entities (e.g., PACE). Contact the Chair of the entity you are interested in, and things will progress from there.

Unlike the Section Secretary, you don't have to ride herd over any publications or announcements--so, this frees you up to do some interesting things. The only real limits are your imagination and commitment. As Secretary, you can, for example, spearhead special events such as seminars or conferences.

If you take the time early on to establish some goals for yourself, you will make best use of this position. Think in terms of deliverables and accomplishments--things that can build your resume. As you establish those goals, consider which attributes you want to build in yourself--better teamwork skills, better organizing skills, committee management competence, project management competence, and so on.

Some people are very diligent secretaries, and this prepares them to be knowledgeable and competent in other officer positions. Some people accept the title for their resume, but fail to take advantage of the position--shortchanging themselves more than anyone. Make the most of the opportunity. Think of what you want to accomplish during a one-year tenure, and go for it!

If we apply the IEEE Region 5 Officer Training Manual information for the Section Secretary, we can derive a description of the Society Chapter Secretary. Thus:

Function:

Administrative manager of the Society Chapter.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Authority:

Relationship:

Reports to the Society Chapter Chair.

Reports:

1. Provides an annual summary of all meeting activity of the Society Chapter to the Section Secretary
2. Provides a listing of new Society Chapter Officers and Committee Chairs (Form L-5) to the Section Secretary prior to the beginning of each year.
3. Submits the annual report (Form L-3 1) of Society Chapter activities to the Section Secretary prior to the beginning of each year.